Zelenka: Trio Sonatas

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Oboist Heinz Holliger created quite a stir when he first recorded the impossibly difficult trio sonatas of Jan Dismas Zelenka (1679-1745) in the early '70s, and this recording for ECM proves he hasn't forgotten the magic of the baroque composer. Zelenka--a lesser-known Dresden court composer--is perhaps best remembered for his numerous vocal works, but his trio sonatas (and his orchestral music, for that matter) is memorable, to say the least. Highly expressive, loaded with demanding passages (the over-the-top but lovely Sonata No. 5 should be heard by all baroque fans), and downright peppy with a dancelike structure, these are great compositions. Holliger and his ensemble are in top form, embracing this innovative but underheard music to its fullest potential. A highly recommended disc. --Jason Verlinde

Zelenka: Trio Sonatas, Music, Klaus Thunemann, Jan Dismas Zelenka, Klaus Stoll, Christiane Jaccottet, Jonathan Rubin, Heinz Holliger, Maurice Bougue, Maurice Bourgue, Thomas Zehetmair, Klaus Stoll, Klaus Thunemann, Thomas Zehetmair, Chamber, Chamber Music & Recitals, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Three Woodwinds with Keyboard/Continuo

Zelenka: 6 Sonatas for two Oboes and Bassoon
Average customer rating:

Wonderful music expertly performed

Zelenka: 6 Sonatas for two Oboes and Bassoon

Manufacturer: Accent Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Zelenka | Zelenka, Jan Dismas | ( Z ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Zelenka: Complete Orchestral Works

Zelenka: Trio Sonatas

Zelenka: Missa Circumcisionis Domini Nostri Jesu Christi

Johann Friedrich Fasch: Concertos

Telemann: Chamber Concertos

ASIN: B00000442N
Release Date: 1999-01-01

Tracks:

Son No.1 in F: Adagio Ma Non Troppo
Son No.1 in F: Allegro
Son No.1 in F: Larghetto
Son No.1 in F: Allegro Assai
Son No.2 in g: Andante
Son No.2 in g: Allegro
Son No.2 in g: Andante
Son No.2 in g: Allegro
Son No.3 in B flat: Adagio - Paul Dombrecht/Chiara Banchini/Danny Bond/Richte Van Der Meer/Robert Kohnen
Son No.3 in B flat: Allegro - Paul Dombrecht/Chiara Banchini/Danny Bond/Richte Van Der Meer/Robert Kohnen
Son No.3 in B flat: Largo - Paul Dombrecht/Chiara Banchini/Danny Bond/Richte Van Der Meer/Robert Kohnen
Son No.3 in B flat: Allegro - Tempo Giusto - Paul Dombrecht/Chiara Banchini/Danny Bond/Richte Van Der Meer/Robert Kohnen

Tracks:

Son No.4 in g: (Andante) - Paul Dombrecht/Chiara Banchini/Danny Bond/Richte Van Der Meer/Robert Kohnen
Son No.4 in g: Allegro - Paul Dombrecht/Ku Ebbinge/Chiara Banchini/Danny Bond/Richte Van Der Meer/Robert Kohnen
Son No.4 in g: Adagio - Paul Dombrecht/Ku Ebbinge/Chiara Banchini/Danny Bond/Richte Van Der Meer/Robert Kohnen
Son No.4 in g: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Paul Dombrecht/Ku Ebbinge/Chiara Banchini/Danny Bond/Richte Van Der Meer/Robert Kohnen
Son No.5 in F: (Allegro) - Paul Dombrecht/Ku Ebbinge/Chiara Banchini/Danny Bond/Richte Van Der Meer/Robert Kohnen
Son No.5 in F: Adagio - Paul Dombrecht/Ku Ebbinge/Chiara Banchini/Danny Bond/Richte Van Der Meer/Robert Kohnen
Son No.5 in F: Allegro - Paul Dombrecht/Ku Ebbinge/Chiara Banchini/Danny Bond/Richte Van Der Meer/Robert Kohnen
Son No.6 in c: Andante
Son No.6 in c: (Allegro)
Son No.6 in c: Adagio
Son No.6 in c: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful music expertly performed.......2001-06-20

These six sonatas must be considered to be the high water-mark of baroque trio sonatas (much as Bach's Brandenburg concerti are the pinnacle of the concerto grosso), and are given a nearly flawless performance by this ad hoc ensemble. I first heard of Zelenka when I caught the second sonata being played on the radio and was completely overwhelmed by his contrapuntal skill. The moment in the first Allegro when the second theme is joined by the first remains one of my most memorable musical epiphanys. Each sonata here is equally splendid and are very rewarding for the active listener. The reading given by Ponseele, Dombrecht, et al is admirable in every way. Given that two of the works were recorded some six years before the others, there is no noticable difference between them. The fact that the same ensemble was used for each session undoubtably helps. The oboists aquit themselves with confidence, and are generally very secure. The bassoon part is surely one of the most demanding in the entire repetoire, and Danny Bond never falters (even in the thrilling fifth sonata). The only fault I could name are a couple of obvious edits. This is music that deserves to be famous and well known.

Average customer rating:

Baroque Fireworks

Manufacturer: MSR Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bassoon Brasileiro
Romance & Caprice - Solo Bassoon & Piano
Bassoon Concertos: Villa-Lobos, Hindemith, Jolivet, Gubaidulina
Mozart, Weber, Hummel: Bassoon Concertos

ASIN: B0002Y1H2Y
Release Date: 2004-08-24

Tracks:

Zelenka: Sonata V in F, ZWV.181
Vivaldi: Sonata No.6 in B-flat, F.XIV
Telemann: Sonata in F minor
Vivaldi: Sonata No.3 in A minor, F.XIV
Telemann: Tafelmusik II Quartet in D minor

Album Description

At the dawn of the Baroque era, Venetian composer Giovanni Gabrieli and his followers developed the concertato style of composition. One result of this innovation was to encourage composers throughout Europe to explore the expressive and technical solo possibilities of instruments like the bassoon, traditionally relegated to non-solo roles. More than a century later, late Baroque masters Antonio Vivaldi, Georg Philipp Telemann and Jan Dismas Zelenka, all born within a three-year span, composed some of the finest and most challenging music ever written for the bassoon. This recording features several works from this era.

For this recording a bassoon, rather than the cello, was used as the bass continuo instrument in combination with the harpsichord, except in the Zelenka Trio, where the composer specified violone as one of the instruments of choice. Accordingly, the modern double bass was employed here.

Introduced to the bassoon while in public school in his hometown of Massapequa, New York, Frank Morelli studied with Stephen Maxym at the Manhattan and Juilliard Schools of Music, and was the first bassoonist to be awarded a doctorate by the Juilliard School. With over 140 recordings for major labels to his credit, his recording of the Mozart Bassoon Concerto with Orpheus on the DG label won international critical acclaim. The Orpheus CD "Shadow Dances," which features Morelli, won a 2001 Grammy. He has made eight appearances as a soloist in Carnegie Hall and has appeared with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center on numerous occasions, including at the Whitehouse for the final state dinner of the Clinton presidency. A member of the renowned quintet, Windscape, ensemble-in-residence at the Manhattan School of Music, he also serves on the faculties of the Juilliard, Yale and SUNY Stony Brook. He is editor of the landmark excerpt book, "Stravinsky: Difficult Passages for! Bassoon", published by Boosey & Hawkes. Frank Morelli is principal bassoonist of the New York City Opera Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the American Composers Orchestra.

Zelenka: Trio Sonatas
Average customer rating:

Extraordinary!

Not broke, but baroque...

Virtuoso Baroque on Modern Instruments

For modern-instrument or oboe aficionados only!

Love it!

Zelenka: Trio Sonatas
Klaus Stoll , Klaus Thunemann , and Thomas Zehetmair
Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Zelenka | Zelenka, Jan Dismas | ( Z ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Johann David Heinichen: Concerto & Sonatas

Zelenka: 6 Sonatas for two Oboes and Bassoon

Bantock: Hebridean Symphony; Celtic Symphony; The Witch of Atlas; The Sea Reivers

Heinichen: Dresden Wind Concertos /Fiori Musicali * Albert

The K&D Sessions

ASIN: B00000K2KR
Release Date: 1999-10-05

Tracks:

Sonata No.1 In F Major For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Adagio ma non troppo
Sonata No.1 In F Major For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Allegro
Sonata No.1 In F Major For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Larghetto
Sonata No.1 In F Major For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Allegro assai
Sonata No.2 In G Minor For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Andante
Sonata No.2 In G Minor For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Allegro
Sonata No.2 In G Minor For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Andante
Sonata No.2 In G Minor For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Allegro
Sonata No.3 In B Flat Major For Violin, Oboe, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Adagio
Sonata No.3 In B Flat Major For Violin, Oboe, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Allegro
Sonata No.3 In B Flat Major For Violin, Oboe, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Largo
Sonata No.3 In B Flat Major For Violin, Oboe, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Tempo giusto

Tracks:

Sonata No. 4 In G Minor For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Andante
Sonata No. 4 In G Minor For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Allegro
Sonata No. 4 In G Minor For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Adagio
Sonata No. 4 In G Minor For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata No. 5 In F Major For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Allegro
Sonata No. 5 In F Major For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Adagio
Sonata No. 5 In F Major For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Allegro
Sonata No. 6 In C Minor For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Andante
Sonata No. 6 In C Minor For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Allegro
Sonata No. 6 In C Minor For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Adagio
Sonata No. 6 In C Minor For Two Oboes, Bassoon And Basso Continuo: Allegro

Amazon.com

Oboist Heinz Holliger created quite a stir when he first recorded the impossibly difficult trio sonatas of Jan Dismas Zelenka (1679-1745) in the early '70s, and this recording for ECM proves he hasn't forgotten the magic of the baroque composer. Zelenka--a lesser-known Dresden court composer--is perhaps best remembered for his numerous vocal works, but his trio sonatas (and his orchestral music, for that matter) is memorable, to say the least. Highly expressive, loaded with demanding passages (the over-the-top but lovely Sonata No. 5 should be heard by all baroque fans), and downright peppy with a dancelike structure, these are great compositions. Holliger and his ensemble are in top form, embracing this innovative but underheard music to its fullest potential. A highly recommended disc. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Extraordinary!.......2005-10-07

These pieces are so difficult and are played here with such ease and grace that the virtuosity is almost invisible. The best available.

Not broke, but baroque..........2005-07-16

Having played the oboe for numerous years (but not in several), I was curious about this title when I heard some of it on NPR. Put it on my wish list, and behold... Santa dropped it down the chimney!

I am not a hyper-critical music nut, but I do enjoy listening to a variety of music types. While I agree (to some extent) about the excessive use of vibrato, etc., this CD set is a delight to listen to. It has a different feel or edge than the Pachebel Canon most people think of when they think of baroque music. I can listen to it for hours. Oh yes... LOTS of oboe playing too!

Virtuoso Baroque on Modern Instruments.......2004-08-15

These compositions are marvellous for their elaborate counterpoint and high spirits. Played by Holliger and his ensemble, Zelenka's polyphonic melodies seem to spiral, weave and modulate indefinitely, having an academic sophistication comparable to Bach and energy level comparable to Vivaldi.

Of course, historical instruments might be preferred. Holliger doesnt have the same goosyness of a baroque oboe. But who has made a recording that compares to this? Ensemble Zefiro may be strong competition, but they don't make it sound as easy and fluid (though I strongly recommend Zefiro for their Vivaldi concertos).

Holliger was an early advocate of Zelenka's instrumental work, and this is his second recording of the sonatas. The new performances are more polished and consistent, and with the addition of a lute to the continuo, more historically informed. The entire ensemble is a cast of accomplished veterans, and these sonatas allow plenty of opportunity for exhibiting their skills. Tempos are paced for a complementary balance of clarity and excitement, and Klaus Thunemann's agility on bassoon is especially astonishing. ECM's production is typically refined and clearly images the entire ensemble.

If you consider the DG box reissue of Holliger's earlier recording plus Camerata Bern's orchestral works, you'll get more music for your money, but the orchestral works are slightly inferior to the sonatas, in my opinion. Also, a 1-CD reissue of CB's Zelenka is now available as an import on the low-price Eloquence label. So with its 21st century sound quality weighing heavily in its favor, this ECM set has to be my favorite choice for the complete sonatas.

For modern-instrument or oboe aficionados only!.......2004-05-25

I have to agree with the reviewer below (click on "See All Reviews") that this recording is "dull as dishwater."

Of course, I am a great fan of period-instrument and "historically informed" performances. I have nothing against modern instruments, but I do dislike modern performance practices such as excess vibrato and flat, even phrasings (such as one finds on this Holliger/Zelenka recording).

Zelenka's music itself is wonderful -- but I would first and foremost recommend the CPO label's 3-disc recording of Zelenka's orchestral music, with the "Neu-Eroeffnete Orchester" ensemble.

I suspect that my review will be rated as "not useful," because that's how most negative reviews seem to be judged here on Amazon. But I want to warn the tentative purchaser of this set that they may not find it money well worth spent. I listened to the first few tracks of Holliger's recording, and really tried to like it, but tossed it on the "discard" pile almost immediately.

Love it!.......2003-12-04

No where else will you find this concentration of music with a predominence of oboe (of course I am an oboe music junkie)! I find Zelenka's compositions to be refreshing, and listen to this at least twice a week.

Average customer rating:

6 Trio Sonatas
Zelenka , and Camerata Bern
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B00000E41F
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Zelenka: Sonatas for two oboe & bassoon (Vol 1) Nos V, VI, II /Ensemble Zefiro

Average customer rating:

Energetic, enthusiastic, masterly
The baroque oboe at its best

Zelenka: Sonatas for two oboe & bassoon (Vol 1) Nos V, VI, II /Ensemble Zefiro
Ensemble Zefiro
Manufacturer: Astree
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000025U9M
Release Date: 1993-12-28

Tracks:

Son V: Allegro
Son V: Adagio (Cantabile)
Son V: Allegro
Son VI: Andante
Son VI: Allegro
Son VI: Adagio
Son VI: Allegro
Son II: Andante
Son II: Allegro
Son II: Andante
Son II: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Energetic, enthusiastic, masterly.......2007-04-06

Jan Dismas Zelenka (1679 - 1745): Sonatas for Two Oboes and Bassoon with Obligatory Continuo (1715-1716). Volume 1: Sonatas 5, 6 and 2. Performed by Paolo Grazzi and Alfredo Bernadini, baroque oboe; Alberto Grazzi, baroque bassoon; Roberto Sensi, double bass; Rinaldo Alessandrini, harpsichord; Rolf Lislevand, theorbo. Recorded at the Villa Schiarino in Mantua/Italy in February 1993. First published in 1993 by Auvidis as Astrée E 8511. Total playing time: 51'57".

My attention was first drawn to this disc when it won "Disc of the Month" status in a German-language Early Music magazine. There are two aspects which make this CD (and its "twin", Vol. 2) particularly attractive. One is the continuing discovery of the music of Jan Dismas Zelenka (the emphasis goes on the first syllable of his surname), who was for most of his life director of sacred music at the Court of the King of Poland and Saxony in Dresden. Composers working at this Court were not allowed to publish their music, with the result that Zelenka's marvellous works lay dormant for some 200 years before experiencing something of a revival towards the end of the 20th century. Most of his music consists of sacred and choral works, of course, but he did leave a body of instrumental compositions, too, and these have found some enthusiastic interpreters: Zelenka: Trio Sonatas(Klaus Thunemann and Heinz Holliger) Zelenka: Complete Orchestral Works, Vol 2 /Das Neu-Eroffnete Orchestre * Sonnentheil. The Sonatas for Two Oboes and Bassoon are really lovely works, most of them in the Sonata da Chiesa mode with four movements, and containing some luxuriously long melody lines and some incredibly virtuoso passage-work for the solo instruments - I don't think I have ever heard a bassoon being played quite so masterfully (and rapidly) as on this recording!

Which leads me to the second reason for recommending this disc: Both the playing and the engineering are impeccable. The musicians involved here are all specialists in the world of early music with considerable numbers of successful CDs to their credit, and it seems to be an ideal combination here, with Rinaldo Alessandrini and Rolf Lislevand providing an energetic, enthusiastic sonic underlay for the beautifully-captured and balanced playing of the three marvellous soloists.

Unfortunately, the disc is comparatively short (under 52 minutes) - one could go on listening to this for hours!

The baroque oboe at its best.......2003-07-26

Some late baroque compositions can tend towards the formulaic - but with Zelenka inventiveness and interesting harmonies usually add up to something original.

Zelenka's six trio sonatas for oboe and bassoon are of the highest quality, so if you are unaquainted with them I can assure you they are worth getting to know. There are a number of recordings available, but if you want to hear all the wonderful lines woven together to best effect try these assured period performances by Rinaldo Alessandrini and Ensemble Zefiro. (Also compare the approach of Heinz Holliger, ECM #462542).

Ensemble Zefiro have recorded all six sonatas, available over two CDs:

- Trio Sonatas V, VI and II on Astree #8511
- Trio Sonatas I, III and IV on Astree #8563

Sonata V is especially worth hearing.

Zelenka: Orchestral Works Trio Sonatas [5 CD Box Set]
Average customer rating:
Zelenka: Orchestral Works Trio Sonatas [5 CD Box Set]
Camerata Bern
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B00006L770
Release Date: 2003-04-08

6 Trio Sonatas 1
Average customer rating:
6 Trio Sonatas 1
Zelenka , Glaetzner , and Goritzky
Manufacturer: Capriccio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B00008EWJC
Release Date: 1994-04-05

Jan Dismas Zelenka: Trio Sonatas ZWV 181 No 01-06
Average customer rating:

Another view of the Trio Sonatas and quite a good one

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!

Jan Dismas Zelenka: Trio Sonatas ZWV 181 No 01-06

Manufacturer: Berlin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Zelenka | Zelenka, Jan Dismas | ( Z ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000035M1
Release Date: 1994-01-04

Customer Reviews:

Another view of the Trio Sonatas and quite a good one.......2001-07-06

This recording is an alternate view of Zelenka's Trio Sonatas under the Berlin Classics Label, alternate from that of Holliger et al or the several Czech, Italian and other German masters who have climbed this Everest of a Composition. Undertaking the task first done in modern times by Holliger and Jaccotett they come through with flying colors. The playing is artistic, playful and exhuberant at times and appropriately restrained at other times but always showing fine craftsmanship. I especially like the ornamentation, which sustains the tension or which mollifys it in a tasteful manner which shows a subtle sense of liberation. Good work on the oboes!

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!.......1999-08-13

This is a must have!! I have never in my life heard such beautiful music, sheer bliss to listen to from beginning to end!!

Zelenka: Trio Sonatas for two Oboes, Bassonn and Basso continuo

Average customer rating:

Zelenka: Trio Sonatas for two Oboes, Bassonn and Basso continuo

Manufacturer: Multisonic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000034FI
Release Date: 1995-08-22

Zelenka: Missa Dei Patris/Confitebor/Laudate pueri/6 Trio Sonatas/3 Capricci--Virtuosi Saxoniae, Ludwig Guettler (4-CD Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Zelenka: Missa Dei Patris/Confitebor/Laudate pueri/6 Trio Sonatas/3 Capricci--Virtuosi Saxoniae, Ludwig Guettler (4-CD Box Set)
Olaf Bär , Gunter Klier , Hans-Peter Steger , Knut Sonstevold , Friedwart-Christian Dittmann , Joachim Bischof , and Jan Dismas Zelenka
Manufacturer: Berlin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000006LJG
Release Date: 1995-10-17

Music Review: